Effects of vinyltrimethoxy silane on thermal properties and dynamic mechanical properties of polypropylene–wood flour composites

The viability of vinyltrimethoxy silane was investigated as a coupling agent for the manufacture of wood–plastic composites (WPC). The effect of silane pretreatment of the wood flour on the thermal and the dynamic mechanical properties and thermal degradation properties of the composites were studied. Moreover, the effect of organosilane on the properties of composites was compared with the effect of maleated polypropylene (MAPP). DSC studies indicated that the wood flour acts as a PP-nucleating agent, increasing the PP crystallization rate. In general, pretreatment with small amounts of silane improved this behavior in all the WPCs studied. Thermal degradation studies of the WPCs indicated that the presence of wood flour delayed degradation of the PP. Silane pretreatment of the wood flour augmented this effect, though without significantly affecting cellulose degradation. Studies of dynamic mechanical properties revealed that the wood flour (at up to 30 wt %) increased storage modulus values with respect to those of pure PP; in WPCs with a higher wood flour amount, there was no additional increase in storage modulus. Pretreatment of the wood flour with silane basically had no effect on the dynamic mechanical properties of the WPC. These results show that with small amounts of vinyltrimethoxy silane similar properties to the MAPP are reached. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Production and investigation of structure and properties of polyethylene–polylactide composites

Under conditions of shear deformations, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactide (PLA) composites are obtained in rotor disperser. The production of these composites allows one to use polymers derived from natural raw and to reduce the cost of the materials on their base. The addition of rigid PLA leads to increase in elastic modulus from 200 for LDPE to 1190 for LDPE–PLA (50:50 wt %) composites and in tensile strength from 13.3 for LDPE to 17.8 for LDPE–PLA. By differential scanning calorimetry method, it is shown that LDPE and PLA are incompatible. Using X-ray diffraction analysis, it is found that degree of crystallinity of composites decreases from 46.1 at 50:50 wt % to 36.9 at 80:20 wt % component ratios with the rise in LDPE content. Tests on fungus resistance show that the composites containing 50 wt % PLA are more resistant than the composites containing 30 wt % PLA. First by gel-permeation chromatography method, it is shown that composite degradation after exposure in soil is accompanied by the PLA chain scission and depolymerization with formation of monomers and dimers (M _w of PLA decreases from 118,860 to 80,100). The obtained composites can be applied as packaging materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47598.     

Renewable antioxidant properties of suspensible chitosan–polypyrrole composites

Conductive polymers have the ability to capture radicals and have become in focus for antioxidant applications of food packaging or biomedical applications. Unfortunately, the conducting polymers such as polypyrrole are difficult to suspense in solution after chemical or electrochemical polymerization. Chitosan, as a natural polymer from chitin, can be dissolved in diluted acetic acid solutions. In the present study, composites suspensible in diluted acetic acid solutions have been produced by the chemical polymerization of pyrrole in chitosan solution using ammonium persulfate (APS) as the oxidant. FTIR and UV–Vis measurements did identify an attachment of polypyrrole to chitosan.In order to optimize the activity and stability of the composites, the ratios of APS: polypyrrole: chitosan were analyzed. The chitosan–polypyrrole composites were formed as membranes (coatings); impedance measurements indicated their conductivity to be in the range of 10^?3–10^?7 S cm^?1. The antioxidant (radical scavenger activity) properties were determined by the di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium (DPPH) assay. The radical scavenger activity of the composites was found renewable by means of electrochemical cycling.     

Preparation and mechanical properties researches of silane coupling reagent modified β-silicon carbide filled epoxy composites

The β-silicon carbide (β-SiC) micro particles modified by silane coupling reagent of γ-glycidoxy propyl trimethoxy silane (KH-560) were employed to prepare β-silicon carbide/epoxy resin (SiC/EP) by blending-casting moulding method to acquire polymer composites with high mechanical properties. Mechanical tests demonstrate that, both the flexural and impact strength of the composites increased firstly with the increasing content of SiC, but decreased with excessive addition of SiC. When the mass fraction of SiC was 10%, the mechanical properties of SiC/EP composites were maximum. Meantime, the use of SiC particles modified by KH-560 significantly enhanced mechanical properties of SiC/EP composites. The surface performance of SiC was characterized and analyzed by XPS, FTIR and TGA. The results indicated that a chemical bonding formed between KH-560 and SiC, and a layer of organic single molecule membrane formed on the surface of SiC. And the maximum mass fraction of KH-560 coated on the surface of SiC was about 2.62%.     

Effects of graphite nano-flakes on thermal and microstructural properties of TiB2–SiC composites

In the last decades, the production of ultra-high temperature composites with improved thermo-mechanical properties has attracted much attention. This study focuses on the effect of graphite nano-flakes addition on the microstructure, densification, and thermal characteristics of TiB₂–25 vol% SiC composite. The samples were manufactured through spark plasma sintering process under the sintering conditions of 1800 °C/7 min/40 MPa. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated a homogenous dispersion of graphite flakes within the TiB₂–SiC composite causing a betterment in the densification process. The thermal diffusivity of the specimens was gained via the laser flash technique. The addition of graphite nano-flakes as a dopant in TiB₂–SiC did not change the thermal diffusivity. Consequently, the remarkable thermal conductivity of TiB₂–SiC remained intact. It seems that the finer grains and more interfaces obstruct the heat flow in TiB₂–SiC–graphite composites. Adding a small amount of graphite nano-flakes enhances the densification of the mentioned composite by preventing the grain growth.     

Preparation and characterization of chitosan–zeolite composites

Double crosslinked chitosan–zeolite (CZ-2) and noncrosslinked chitosan–zeolite (CZ-0) composites were prepared and characterized by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, surface area analyzer, scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) spectrometer, thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), X-ray diffraction analyzer (XRD) and carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen (CHN) analyzer. After crosslinking, CZ-2 showed a reduction in surface area and CHN content in comparison to chitosan, zeolite, and CZ-0. Crosslinking resulted in improved stability of CZ-2 in distilled water, acetic acid and NaOH as CZ-2 recorded the lowest percentage of swelling. XRD diffractograms confirmed the formation of composites as there was a marked difference in the peak intensity at 2θ = 19.8°. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Crystal structure and dielectric properties of barium titanate–kaolinite composites

Barium Titanate–Kaolinite composites were prepared systematically by conventional solid-state method. The crystal structure and dielectric properties of samples were investigated by XRD and dielectric measurements, respectively. XRD results show that new phase BaAl₂Si₂O₈ was formed as kaolinite added into BaTiO₃. The 10 wt% kaolinite addition led to a considerable reduction in sintering temperature and a strong densification. The dielectric constant of BaTiO₃–Kaolinite composites tended to be stable with increasing of kaolinite content.     

Effects of formulation properties on sol–gel behavior of chitosan/glycerolphosphate hydrogel

Chitosan solution containing glycerolphosphate disodium salt (Gp) is an injectable thermosensitive in situ gel-forming system which undergoes sol–gel transition under certain physiological pH and temperature conditions. When a drug-incorporated chitosan/Gp solution is injected into the body, it forms a three-dimensional gel at 37 °C, which allows the drug to be released in a sustained manner. This hydrogel can be used as a drug delivery system for prolonged release of peptides and glycopeptides. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of different excipients on the sol–gel behavior of this thermosensitive hydrogel. Chitosan polymeric solutions (2 % w/v) containing Gp and different excipients, such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), polyethylene glycol (PEG) with two different molecular weights (PEG200 and PEG1000), and poloxamer (F127) in various concentrations, were prepared, and the pH, sol–gel transition time, and syringeability of the final solutions were evaluated. The obtained results point to HPMC as the best additive for chitosan/Gp solutions in developing an in situ gel-forming drug delivery system with optimum gelling time. A significant decrease was noted in the sol-to-gel transition time (from 90 to 60 s) when HPMC was added to the system. This may have been due to the HPMC structure which acted as a viscosity-enhancing and gel-promoting agent. The in vitro release of vancomycin hydrochloride from chitosan/Gp/HPMC hydrogel was also studied. Vancomycin release studies showed a sustained release profile for over 20 days. It can be concluded that combining chitosan/Gp and HPMC is a promising strategy for preparing a thermally reversible in situ gel-forming delivery system with an optimized gelation time.     

Effects of partial substitution of calcium alumino-titanate on the properties and microstructure of mullite–cordierite composites

In order to realize the recycling of calcium alumino-titanate (CAT, a solid waste), the effect of small amounts (3–9% weight ratio) of CAT on the sintering properties of the mullite–cordierite system was investigated. The thermal-shock stability, volume stability, and mechanical properties of samples with different amounts of CAT were characterized and tested. The influence of CAT on the phase composition and microstructure of the mullite–cordierite system was also deduced from thermodynamic calculations. Experimental results, which agreed with the calculations, demonstrate that CAT could promote the close combination and aggregation of matrix materials, thus strengthening the consolidation process and enhancing desirable properties.     

Effects of high-temperature annealing on the microstructure and properties of C/SiC–ZrC composites

C/SiC–ZrC composites were prepared by a combining slurry process with precursor infiltration and pyrolysis, and then annealed from 1200 °C to 1800 °C. With rising annealing temperature, their mass loss rate increased, and the flexural strength and modulus decreased from 227.9 MPa to 41.3 MPa and from 35.3 GPa to 22.7 GPa, respectively. High-temperature annealing, which elevated thermal stress and strengthened interface bonding, was harmful to the flexural properties. However, it improved the ablation properties by increasing the crystallization degree of SiC matrix. The mass loss rate and linear recession rate decreased with increasing annealing temperature and those of the samples annealed at 1800 °C were 0.0074 g/s and 0.0011 mm/s respectively. Taking mechanical and ablation properties into consideration simultaneously, the optimum annealing temperature was 1600 °C.     

Effects of different additives on properties of magnesium aluminate Spinel–Periclase castable

Bauxite- and alumina-based spinels were employed as refractory aggregates, and sintered magnesia fine powder, calcium aluminate cement, microsilica, and activated α-Al₂O₃ were utilized as matrices. The effects of alumina powder, analytically pure zinc oxide, and analytically pure zirconia on the properties of magnesium aluminate spinel–periclase castables were studied. The results demonstrated that the addition of the three additives promoted the sintering of magnesium aluminate spinel–periclase castables. Simultaneously, the three additives significantly improved the high-temperature properties of the samples. The thermal shock resistance of the alumina powder sample increased by 200%, that of the pristine zinc oxide sample by 75%, and that of the zirconia sample by 125%. The additives effectively improved the thermal shock resistance of the magnesium aluminate spinel–periclase castable. In addition, the slag resistance depths of the samples with alumina powder and zirconia were 41% lower than that of the sample without additives, which significantly improved the slag resistance of the magnesium aluminate spinel–periclase castable.     

Influence of silane structure on curing behavior and surface properties of sol–gel based UV-curable organic–inorganic hybrid coatings

In this study, three usual silane precursors, tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS), and 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS), and different binary and triplet blends of them were polymerized via a sol–gel method under acidic conditions. ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopy was used to characterize and quantify the degree of condensation of oligomers. The organic phase was based on a three-acrylate monomer trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA). The effect of prepared oligomers on the curing behavior of hybrid materials and the interaction between organic and inorganic phases were monitored via photo differential scanning calorimetry (Photo-DSC). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to investigate the surface properties of UV-cured hybrid materials. Photo-DSC results showed that the addition of functionalized oligomers can increase both the photopolymerization rate and the final degree of conversion. They also indicated that oligomers containing MPS are more compatible with the organic phase than other oligomers. Topography and phase trace images of AFM showed that oligomers containing VTMS migrate to the surface of films and affect the water contact angle. In contrast to VTMS, the presence of MPS in oligomers causes the formation of covalent bonds between the organic and inorganic phases in the bulk of the film, and so the surface properties of the film remain unchanged.     

Adsorption mechanism of copper ions in aqueous solution by chitosan–carboxymethyl starch composites

Based on the structural characteristics of chitosan (CTS) and carboxymethyl starch (CMS), CTS–CMS composites were prepared by crosslinking. The composites had a plurality of reactive functional groups such as  NH₂,  NH₃⁺,  COOH, and  OH and are applied to the adsorption of Cu²⁺ in aqueous solution. The adsorption capacity and stability in acidic solution of the composites were preferable to that of raw material. The effects of temperature, contact time, initial concentration, and pH on the adsorption of Cu²⁺ were investigated. Infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to explore the adsorption mechanism. The experiment showed that chemisorption and physisorption coexisted in the adsorption process. It is promising to apply this adsorbent to remove the metal ions in wastewater. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48636.     

Assessment of hydrophobic and anticorrosion properties of composite silane–zeolite coatings on aluminum substrate

The effect of matrix compounds on the behavior of silane–zeolite composite coatings on a 6061 aluminum alloy was evaluated by electrochemical test performed at long immersion time in 3.5% NaCl solution. It was observed that silane chains influence the hydrophobic behavior and the electrochemical performances of the zeolite-based composite coating. All composite coatings showed a long-term protection action in 3.5% NaCl solution. The use of silane compounds with long alkyl chain or with bi-hydroxyl groups made it possible to obtain electrochemically stable coating during long immersion time. Best results have been obtained with a multicomponent silane mixture (short and long molecular chains).     

Effects of different chelating agents on the composition,morphology and electrochemical properties of LiV3O8 crystallites synthesized via sol–gel method

Lithium trivanadate (LiV₃O₈) crystallites have been synthesized via sol–gel processing using oxalic, tartaric, citric and malic acid as the chelating agents. The thermal decomposition process of the as-prepared LiV₃O₈ precursor was investigated by thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The structure, morphology and electrochemical performance of the as-synthesized LiV₃O₈ samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the galvanostatic charge–discharge test. Different chelating agents were introduced to investigate their effects on the products composition, morphology and electrochemical properties. Result show that the samples prepared with oxalic and tartaric acid are similar to show thin rod-like morphology in submicron size distribution while the samples prepared with citric and malic acid are found consisting of block-like crystallities in micron size. Further electrochemical results exhibit that the LiV₃O₈ particles with oxalic, tartaric, citric and malic acid exhibit an initial discharge capacity of 304.4 mA h/g, 296.8 mA h/g, 268.7 mA h/g and 275.3 mA h/g, respectively. After 20 cycles, they retain discharge capacity of 250.2 mA h/g, 237.6 mA h/g, 198.5 mA h/g and 206.8 mA h/g, respectively.     

Influence of wrapping on some properties of MWCNT–PMMA and MWCNT–PE composites

The melt processing technique was used to elaborate composites made with a polymer matrix [polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or polyethylene (PE)] and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Nanotubes were wrapped by amphiphilic block copolymer (PE–co-polyethylene oxide) in aqueous solution to facilitate the dispersion and the handling. Morphology and physical properties (thermal, mechanical, electrical, and rheological) of the resulting composites were investigated. The wrapping of MWCNT allowed a good dispersion of these nanoparticules in the polymer matrices. Physical properties such as thermal degradation, mechanical behavior, and conduction are improved. The use of wrapped MWCNT allows to reduce drastically the melt viscosity of the blends of crystalline PE composites whereas it is almost non efficient for amorphous PMMA ones.     

Effects of carbon additives on the properties of ZrB2–based composites: A review

This review presents the recent achievements on carbon additives incorporated in ZrB₂ ceramics, improved properties, and their advancements. Monolithic ZrB₂ ceramics have broad potential applications, but their critical drawbacks such as poor damage tolerance, and weak oxidation and ablation resistance confines their applicability. It is an important issue to resolve these shortages in physiochemical properties by engineering the composite ingredients and process design of the ceramic counterparts for an extensive production and applications, which are especially essential in high–tech industries and products. Carbon additives have exceptional characteristics including low density, low cost, and excellent thermo–mechanical stability. These materials have been incorporated in ZrB₂ ceramics to enhance their efficiency and form practical composite ceramics. Although addition of the secondary carbonaceous phases is generally supposed to improve the mechanical properties of ZrB₂ composites, it may also result in a decrease in other aspects of performance, comparing with monolithic ZrB₂ ceramics. In this work, we reviewed the methods and strategies for the preparation of carbon modulated ZrB₂ ceramic composites. Moreover, the advantages, disadvantages, and the productivity of the introduced composite ceramics have been explored and featured.     

Effects of SiC content on the densification,microstructure, and mechanical properties of HfB2–SiC composites

To investigate the effects of SiC on microstructure, hardness, and fracture toughness, 0, 10, 20, and 30 vol% SiC were added to HfB₂ and sintered by SPS. Upon adding SiC to 30 vol%, relative density increased about 4%; but HfB₂ grain growth had a minimum at 20 vol% SiC. This may be due to grain boundary silicate glass, responsible for surface oxide wash out, enriched in SiO₂ with higher fraction of SiC. By SiO₂ enrichment, the glass viscosity increased and higher HfO₂ remained unsolved which subsequently lead to higher grain growth. Hardness has increased from about 13 to 15 GPa by SiC introduction with no sensible variation with SiC increase. Residual stress measurements by Rietveld method indicated high levels of tensile residual stresses in the HfB₂ Matrix. Despite the peak residual stress value at 20 vol% SiC, fracture toughness of this sample was the highest (6.43 MPa m^0.5) which implied that fracture toughness is mainly a grain size function. Tracking crack trajectory showed a mainly trans-granular fracture, but grain boundaries imposed a partial deflection on the crack pathway. SiC had a higher percentage in fracture surface images than the cross-section which implied a weak crack deflection.     

Effects of Ca-, Mg- and Si-doping on microstructures of alumina–zirconia composites

The aim of this work was to obtain zirconia toughened alumina composites with different microstructures, using a simple process (powder mixing and natural sintering). Adjusting the amount of zirconia directly controls the size and localization of zirconia grains and the size of the alumina grains. Doping the composite with CaO, MgO and SiO₂ allows further control of the microstructures. The influence of the thermal treatments is also investigated. The composites exhibit different structures (nano/nano-, micro/nano- and micro-composites) with zirconia and alumina grains as small as 100 and 200 nm, respectively, and with the proportion of intragranular zirconia grains varying between 0% and 90%. Zirconia plays a major role on grain size distributions as compared to CaO and MgO, whose role is almost negligible. The use of SiO₂ leads to micro/nano composites with intragranular zirconia particles. The influence of these different additions is related to adjustments of the grain boundaries mobility.     

Effects of in situ synthesis of CNTs/SiCw on microstructure and properties of Al2O3–SiC–C composites

Al₂O₃–SiC–C composites were prepared using tabular corundum, ball pitch and silicon carbide as the main raw materials. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and SiC whiskers (SiC_w) were in situ synthesized and their effects on the thermo–mechanical properties of Al₂O₃–SiC–C composites have been studied. The experimental results indicated that the high yield of SiC_w and CNTs with large aspect ratio could be obtained due to addition of Ni(NO₃)₂·6H₂O as catalyst in the composites. The cold modulus of rupture values were increased by 24% to 7.2 MPa, and the flexural modulus was increased from 19 GPa to 24 GPa. Additionally, the hot modulus of rupture reached a maximum value of 3.6 MPa, which presented a 71% increase over that of composites without catalyst. After three thermal shock cycles, the residual cold crush strength was improved from 57.1% to 76.9%. It is believed that the enhancement in the thermo-mechanical properties of Al₂O₃–SiC–C composites could be attributed to the reinforcement effect of SiC_w and CNTs.